South Africa has a high energy demand that is rapidly increasing.
We have many energy-hungry industries such as mining and metals
processing which rely on low-cost electricity from coal burning.
It is becoming apparent that traditional energy sources can
no longer meet the power demand this is further highlighted
by Eskom’s recent scheduled blackouts. Fortunately there
is something that can be done. South Africa has huge potential
with regards to renewable energy resources. An increase in
renewable energy technologies will benefit South Africa in
a number of ways:

• Hydropower. South Africa is not particularly well
endowed with hydropower potential, but there is potential
to import hydropower & to develop locally significant
micro-hydro potential.

• Wave power. This is a new technology, but one from
which South Africa could benefit, as there is an extensive
coast-line with high wave energy potential. Ocean currents,
thermal gradients in the sea, and even ocean grown biomass
could also play a future role.